The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Lisa Marie Gonsalves, a teacher with the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local (PETL), with its 2022 Political Activist Award. The award is presented to an ETFO member to recognize their outstanding commitment and involvement in health and safety activities.

Gonsalves has a passion for, and commitment to, workplace health and safety and ensuring learning and working environments are safe for everyone. Over the course of many years of being involved at both the local and provincial levels, Gonsalves has gained knowledge and experience to help improve the health and safety of all PETL members in every Peel District School Board site. She shares her expertise through the development of resources (pamphlets and bulletins), member presentations, training sessions, and workshops on workplace violence, safety plans, workplace inspections, and general health and safety awareness.

Gonsalves is committed to ensuring all members view health and safety as a shared responsibility that requires collective power to achieve.  

“Lisa sees every interaction and situation as an opportunity to share her expertise to build capacity amongst members,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “Ever a teacher, Lisa inspires members to learn more about the ways in which they deserve to be kept safe, and how we can work together to achieve healthy learning and working environments.” 

ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.